Niver Niver Land

<p>PRESENTED BY LAND O LAKES FOODSERVICE<br /><br /></p><p>Welcome to Niver Niver Land: a podcast that addresses massive change in the restaurant industry. The show is hosted by award-winning restaurateur Tim Niver – a local legend of Minnesota's Twin Cities – known for his involvement with fabled spots like Aquavit, Town Talk Diner, Saint Dinette, and Strip Club Meat & Fish. Today, he runs  Mucci's Italian in St. Paul. Tim sees a major problem with industry dialogue: nobody is having realistic conversations about the ongoing, unprecedented change. Many of those who work in the industry are still trying to wrap their heads around what has happened over the last two years. Today, Tim is ready to talk about these things – through his trademark wit and foolishness – so that we can better appreciate and preserve the cultural importance of restaurants.</p>

Zen Box Izakaya: Exit Interview with Owners John Ng and Lina Goh

NiverNiverLand is sponsored by Land O’Lakes Foodservice. You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products specifically developed for use in foodservice kitchens? If you're a chef or operator in the industry, check out their offerings like Extra Melt® cheese sauces, shreds, and loaves - providing creamy, melty, crave-able appeal for your menu from smashburgers to baked mac and cheese to signature queso…and so much m...

11-28
26:45

Saturday Dumpling Co: From Dumpling Home Cooks to Business Owners

Yo, fam! Peter Bian and Linda Cao, the founders of Saturday Dumpling Co., join us on Niver Niver Land to unpack their journey: from making frozen dumplings during the pandemic to opening their first restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis and expanding into food halls. They share how family recipes, creative risks, and community values shape every dumpling, rice bowl, and new menu idea. This episode is all about hope, grit, and what it means to build something meaningful in the hospitality indust...

09-19
01:23:29

Jonathan Janssen, GM of Vinai: Operating the Most Celebrated Restaurant in the Midwest

Presented by Land O'Lakes Foodservice - What up, fam?? Jonathan Janssen, General Manager and Partner at Vinai, joins me to share what it’s been like to run one of America’s top new restaurants. From The New York Times to James Beard, Vinai’s ascent has been swift, yet for Jonathan, the heart of the job remains in the day-to-day: creating a space that honors Hmong heritage, leading a team in the spotlight, and keeping hospitality human at every table. -- NiverNiverLand is sponsored by Land O’L...

09-03
01:15:08

Jason Hansen & Peter Sebastian: Building Restaurants with Heart

Presented by Land O'Lakes Foodservice - What up, fam! Jason Hansen and Peter Sebastian join us to trace their restaurant journey, from the cozy Southern European soul of Estelle, to the retro-sandwich comfort of Mario’s, and now Liliana, a modern Italian pasta bar in Woodbury. They share how they balance culinary ambition with community vibes, and why their newest joint feels both familiar and fresh. -- NiverNiverLand is sponsored by Land O’Lakes Foodservice. You might be familiar with Land ...

08-20
01:28:59

Does Marcus Samuelsson Ever Sleep?

Presented by Land O'Lakes Foodservice - Hey fam! Today’s guest needs no introduction — but we’re going to give him one anyway. Marcus Samuelsson is one of the most celebrated chefs on the planet. Dozens of restaurants, books, shows, and cultural moments. But behind all that success is someone who cares deeply about food, people, and the stories that connect them. This week on Niver Niver Land, I sat down with Marcus for a conversation that goes far beyond the kitchen. We talked about what it ...

08-04
53:47

Diane Moua and Heather Mady: What It's Like To Operate The Hottest Restaurant In Town (Diane's Place)

Presented by Land O'Lakes Foodservice -- Chef Diane Moua built her reputation as one of the Twin Cities’ most respected pastry chefs. Now, with her own restaurant — Diane’s Place in Northeast Minneapolis — she’s blending Hmong tradition, fine-dining experience, and personal history into something entirely new. In this episode, Tim sits down with Diane and General Manager Heather Ann Mady to talk about the heart behind the food, the story behind the space, and the messy beauty of opening a res...

07-24
01:00:04

I Finally Got My Parents on the Pod... [SEASON PREMIERE]

I have a Substack now! This is a great place to keep up to date on the show, what I'm doing, and where I'm eating. Click here to subscribe. -- Hey, ya'll! A new season of Niver is finally here. We're kicking this one off with my parents, the source code for everything I've done in my life. The food is from ma, the hospitality is from pa. This is a special one, and I'm glad you're able to share this moment with me. Enjoy, and welcome to a new season of Niver! -- NiverNiverLand is sponsored by ...

07-07
24:40

Michelle Rabin: Working with Matty Matheson and Navigating Internet Fame

Michelle is a Toronto-based culinary producer, food stylist, and recipe developer. Find her on IG @michellerabin.

04-11
01:02:52

Gavin Kaysen: Striving for Excellence

Gavin Kaysen is a nationally, regionally, and locally renowned chef based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. -- Hey, fam! We’re super excited to announce a new sponsorship with Land O’Lakes. You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products developed to perform in foodservice kitchens? If you're a chef or operator in the industry, check out their offerings like Extra Melt® cheese sauces, shreds, and loaves - providing cre...

03-10
01:13:25

The Internet Changed this Chef's Life (feat. @chefreactions)

@chefreactions is a renowned internet personality who has made a name for himself commentating on cooking videos on TikTok and Instagram. -- Hey, fam! We’re super excited to announce a new sponsorship with Land O’Lakes. You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products developed to perform in foodservice kitchens? If you're a chef or operator in the industry, check out their offerings like Extra Melt® cheese sauce...

02-07
01:14:00

Andrew Zimmern: "Career" as an Art Form

Andrew Zimmern is a renowned chef, producer, and media personality. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the host and guest and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of our sponsors. -- Hey, fam! We’re super excited to announce a new sponsorship with Land O’Lakes. You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products developed to perform in foodservice kitchens? If you...

11-25
02:10:13

Zoë François: Smart, Successful, and Constantly Afraid (@zoebakes)

Zoë François is an Emmy-nominated TV host, NYT bestselling author, social media influencer, and all-around dope person. Find her on Instagram @zoebakes -- Hey, fam! We’re super excited to announce a new sponsorship with Land O’Lakes. You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products developed to perform in foodservice kitchens? If you're a chef or operator in the industry, check out their offerings like Extra Mel...

11-01
01:02:54

Karyn Tomlinson: "Grandma Chic" Personified

Karyn Tomlinson is chef/owner of Myriel in St. Paul, MN. -- Hey, fam! We’re super excited to announce a new sponsorship with Land O’Lakes. You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products developed to perform in foodservice kitchens? If you're a chef or operator in the industry, check out their offerings like Extra Melt® cheese sauces, shreds, and loaves - providing creamy, melty, crave-able appeal for your menu ...

10-04
01:09:36

Adam Platt: Why Do People Open Restaurants? No, Seriously.

Adam Platt is the executive editor of Twin Cities Business Magazine. -- Hey, fam! We’re super excited to announce a new sponsorship with Land O’Lakes. You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products developed to perform in foodservice kitchens? If you're a chef or operator in the industry, check out their offerings like Extra Melt® cheese sauces, shreds, and loaves - providing creamy, melty, crave-able appeal fo...

08-30
01:25:28

Tim McKee: Opening a New Restaurant Will Take Everything You've Got (And More)

We’re back! I spoke to the one and only Tim McKee. If you know you know. You probably know. Minnesota dining legend. He’s a James Beard award-winning chef, and his resume is absolutely killer: La Belle Vie, Octo Fish Bar, Solera, Barrio, and Sea Change, just to name a few. Today, he’s working on a North Loop restaurant that’ll focus on the flavors of Spain’s Basque region. Chefs and industry people, this one is for you. We talk about the trials and tribulations of running a spot. We talk a...

05-03
01:20:32

Gabriella Grant-Spangler & Ben Spangler: A Newer (and Cooler) Generation of Restaurateurs

These Minneapolis-based cool kids are the masterminds behind Bebe Zito and Ouro Pizzaria. They were also involved in bringing the incredible Eat Street Crossing to life. Literally, everything they do screams "cool." But, man, they're tired. They're stressed. They aren't afraid to admit it. So let's talk about it. I appreciated this candid opportunity to sit down with them and understand who they are and where they come from. This was my first time really sitting down and getting to know these...

02-02
01:14:47

Nick Kosevich: Old Friend, Mixologist, Banana

In this episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Nick Kosevich, a Minnesota-based food and beverage professional. He is CEO of the cocktail company Earl Giles and Beverage Director of Mr. Paul’s Supper Club in Edina, MN. Nick and I go all the way back to 2006 when we opened Town Talk Diner in Minneapolis. That crazy fuckin time lead to us creating a lifelong friendship, which is why he felt comfortable enough to show up in a banana costume. We spent our time together talking about said banan...

12-15
01:11:29

Niver Niver Land LIVE @ Mucci's Italian! (feat. Christina Nguyen)

Hey! It's our second live show! We recorded this thing on August 21st at Mucci's Italian in St. Paul, MN. I spoke with the incredible Christina Nguyen, who is co-owner of Hai Hai and Hola Area. These restaurants are in Minneapolis, MN and they are amazing. So, yeah, Christina and I did this whole thing WHILE a coursed dinner was being served, which is crazy. Like, what is that? Who does live podcast dinners? We do, I guess. We talked about a bunch of stuff: Christina's origin story as a che...

09-15
01:44:35

Jorge Guzmán: To Find and Create Meaning as a Chef

Chef Jorge Guzmán (Petite León) is an interesting character. I've been in similar rooms with him throughout the years, but I never really got to know him. He always seemed brooding and uninterested. The dude was hard to approach. But I recently got to know him much better. For today's episode, I sat down with this guy and figured out what made him tick. And, let me tell you, I think I understand what's going on. He's been through a lot. Trauma. He's been ripped off. He's failed. Hard. He's ...

07-21
01:19:46

Niver Niver Land Live @ Saint Dinette (feat. Robb Jones & Jessi Pollak)

Here it is, fam! The first-ever liv episode of Niver Niver Land. We featured two Minneapolis bartenders – Robb Jones from Meteor Bar and Jessi Pollak from Spoon & Stable – for a wonderful conversation about the hospitality industry. This was recorded on May 22nd at Saint Dinette to a sold-out room of people. The experience was surreal and we had a blast. - Follow Tim on Twitter and Instagram. - Be sure to support Mucci's and Saint Dinette. How about making a reservation soon? Also,...

06-02
01:22:04

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